High solids closed-loop pressure washer system

ABSTRACT

A closed-loop pressure washing system adapted for removal and recovery of high solids contaminants from an object. The washing system includes a support platform having a support surface that supports the object while a washing fluid is flowed over the object to remove the high solids contaminant. A collection device is provided in flow communication with the support surface, and is adapted to collect and channel the run-off washing fluid and run-off high solids contaminant from the support surface towards a collection basin. A high solids separation assembly is in flow communication with the collection basin, and is adapted to separate and displace the collected high solid contaminants from the collected run-off fluids in the collection basin to a discard region spaced-apart from the collection basin. This separation assembly, however, substantially maintains the run-off washing fluid in the collection basin. The washing system further includes a clarifying reservoir in flow communication with the collection basin, and is configured to hold the run-off fluid therein for reuse back to the washing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to pressure washer apparatus,and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for separating andcontaining higher and lower-density from contaminated washing fluids foruse in the pressure washing system.

2. Description of the Relevant Art

Contamination of the environment by man-made substances has beenconsidered a serious world-wide problem. Recently, concern aboutcontamination of earth, air, and groundwater by oil, toxic chemicals,and other hazardous wastes has expanded beyond large-scale industry toencompass the activities of many small businesses including automobileservice stations, and many others. Both government regulations andsocial outcry have placed tremendous pressure on these businesses toavoid discharging hazardous wastes into the environment in the course ofordinary business activities.

Many businesses partake in activities which are likely to produce wastewhich may be harmful to the environment. For example, in an automobileservice station, washing or steam-cleaning auto parts, e.g., anautomobile engine, often causes engine oil, gasoline, and otherchemicals to enter a storm drain system, or other waterways, therebyleading to the potential contamination of groundwater. In addition,those who service remotely located equipment generally have a need towash the equipment without discharging hazardous waste into theenvironment. By way of example, persons who service roof-mounted airconditioners that contain lubricating petrochemicals, trappedpollutants, or other chemicals are not permitted to wash the equipmentin a manner that could cause chemicals to run off the roof and into thesurrounding environment.

To address these concerns, portable, closed-loop pressure washingequipment has become widely available which may recover oil, chemicals,and other hazardous materials from an object which is being washed.These pressure wash assemblies may efficiently recirculate, heat, andrepeatedly filter a washing agent to minimize the quantity of wastematerial produced during a washing process. Typical of such systems aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 5,673,715; 5,785,067 and 5,803,982,incorporated herein by reference.

These zero-discharge, closed-loop wash apparatus typically deploy amulti-step contaminant removal process designed to independentlyseparate the heavier weight or higher density contaminants, relative tothe density of the washing fluid, as well as separate the lighter weightor lower density contaminants from the washing agent. A collection basinof the wash apparatus, for example, may be configured to remove theheavier weight contaminants through the application of filtrationbaskets or through sediment settling of the coarser heavier sedimentsalong the bottom of the collection basin. The medium weight or mediumdensity contaminants, on the other hand, may remain suspended in thewashing fluid, where they may be removed by filtration through micronfilters or the like. In some designs, a succession of micron filters maybe used to remove successively smaller particulates and molecules fromthe washing agent.

Typically, these portable pressure washing systems include a loadbearing support mechanism which supports the object designated forcleaning above the collection basin. Often, these support mechanisminclude a porous grate device which enables the run-off wash fluids toflow easily therethrough directly into the collection below. While thisgrate material has adequate strength for small to medium weight objects,such a surface cannot be utilized for larger and heavier objectsdesignated for cleaning, such as large earth moving vehicles. In thisinstance the support mechanism requires substantially solid metallicplate members sufficiently thick to carrying the bulk weight object.

While these solid surfaces provided excellent weight bearing properties,silting from the run-off wash fluid often occurs, especially whenlarger, coarser particulates or large volumes of contaminants areinitially highly abundant. This is especially true with large earthmoving vehicles containing significant amounts of solids build-upaccumulated during normal operation. Upon washing these vehicle, theheavy solids, sludge and collective silt build-up on the washingsurface. This is quite problematic in that it often requires extensivemanual cleanup or a prolonged cleanup time after the equipment has beenwashed. More conventional closed-loop systems typically employ some typeof fluid filtration system which are inadequate for high solids run-off.These conventional filtration systems become overwhelmed, and are eitherclogged or require frequent filter cleaning or replacement, since thesesystems were not designed to accommodate such capacity. Accordingly, itwould be desirable to provide a closed-loop washing system that canaccommodate the removal of such high solids contaminants run-off.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a closed-loop pressure washing systemadapted for removal and recovery of high solids contaminants from anobject. The washing system includes a support platform having a supportsurface adapted to support the object while a washing fluid is flowedover the object to remove the high solids contaminant. A collectiondevice is provided in flow communication with the support surface, andis adapted to collect and channel the run-off washing fluid and run-offhigh solids contaminant from the support surface towards a collectionbasin. A high solids separation assembly is in flow communication withthe collection basin, and is adapted to separate and displace thecollected high solid contaminants from the collected run-off fluids inthe collection basin to a discard region spaced-apart from thecollection basin. This separation assembly, however, substantiallymaintains the run-off washing fluid in the collection basin. The washingsystem further includes a clarifying reservoir in flow communicationwith the collection basin, and is configured to hold the run-off fluidtherein for reuse back to the washing system.

Accordingly, in a closed-loop washing system where high-solidcontaminants removal is substantial, the separation assembly is capableof high solids waste removal to a remove site while retaining therun-off washing fluids for collection in a clarifying reservoir and/orfiltering for reuse back in to the washing system. Such capacity ofsolid contaminants removal is highly desirable, especially when run-offhigh solids contaminant is initially abundant. As mentioned,conventional closed-loop washing systems are not capable of suchhigh-solids removal, and often overwhelm the capacity thereof.

In one embodiment, the separation assembly includes a drag conveyordevice having a separation station thereof immersed in the slurry ofrun-off washing fluid and high solids deposited in the collection basinand adapted to separate a portion of the deposited high solidcontaminants from the slurry. The separation assembly further includes adiscarding station spaced-apart from, and at a vertical elevation abovethe separation station. The discarding station is adapted to discard thecollected portion of the deposited high solid contaminants from the dragconveyor. Preferably, the drag conveyor includes a continuous chainmember extending between the separation station and the discardingstation, and having a plurality of drag weirs spaced-apart along thechain member, each the drag weir being adapted to separate and drag theportion of the deposited high solid contaminants at the separationstation and deposit the portion of the deposited high solid contaminantsat the discarding station. The discarding assembly includes a sleevemember substantially enclosing the chain member and drag weirs in amanner enabling the collected run-off fluid in the collection basin tofilter between the sleeve and the drag weirs.

In another specific configuration, the collecting device includes anelongated receiving channel in flow communication with the supportsurface, and a delivery portion in flow communication with thecollection basin. In this manner, the run-off washing fluid and run-offhigh solids contaminant collected from the support surface aresubstantially flowed to the collection basin. The collecting devicepreferably further includes an auger member rotatably mounted andpositioned in the channel in a manner causing the collected run-offwashing fluid and run-off high solids contaminant to move from theelongated receiving channel to the delivery portion thereof for deliveryto the collection basin. Further, the elongated channel is positionedadjacent an edge of the support surface, and the support surface isshaped for gravity flow of the run-off washing fluid and run-off highsolids contaminant toward the channel.

In still another arrangement, the washing system includes a flushassembly having one portion fluidly coupled to the clarifying reservoir,and another portion fluidly coupled to one end of the elongated channelto flush the run-off fluid and high solids contaminant toward thedelivery portion thereof. Further, the washing system may include a highcapacity fluid cannon coupled to the clarifying reservoir. The fluidcannon includes a nozzle member and a fluid cannon pump deviceconfigured to eject the stored fluids at a substantial capacity andrate. This rate is preferably in the range of about 40 gal/min to about80 gal/min.

Another embodiment illustrates that the clarifying reservoir includes aplurality of baffles aligned in a manner to encourage the deposition oflight solids from the collected run-off fluids as it flows therethrough.This is performed by providing an array of baffles in the clarifyingreservoir wherein the deposited fluids pass through the baffles, causingthe light solids to be excreted therefrom

In another aspect of the present invention, a high load capacityclosed-loop washing system is provided for the support of andcontaminant removal from a substantially heavy load object. The washingsystem includes a support platform for supporting the heavy load objecthaving a fluid impervious upstanding peripheral side walls and a fluidimpervious support surface extending atop the peripheral side walls tocollectively define an enclosed interior cavity therein. The supportplatform includes a flowable support material curable into a relativelylow density, high compressive strength material support enablingvertical support the heavy load object atop the support surface while awashing fluid is flowed over the object to remove the high solidscontaminant. A collection device is in flow communication with thesupport surface, and is adapted to collect the slurry of run-off washingfluid and run-off high solids contaminant from the support surface in acollection basin. The washing system further includes a clarifyingreservoir in flow communication with the collection basin, and isconfigured to store run-off fluid therein for reuse back to the washingsystem.

Thus, washing system provides a high compression-strength supportplatform which is relatively light weight. Thus, the curable coreenables fabrication in any flowable shape, while providing an excellentcompressive strength-to-weight ratio.

In one specific embodiment, the high compressive strength material isprovided by a high strength cellular material, such as a foamedconcrete. Thus, the concrete is easily flowed into the interior cavitysimilar to molding techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The assembly of the present invention has other objects and features ofadvantage which will be more readily apparent from the followingdescription of the Detailed Description of the Embodiments and theappended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a pressure washing systemconstructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation view of the pressure washing systemof FIG. 1 illustrating a solid contaminant separation assembly.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, top plan view, partially broken-away, of thepressure washing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged side elevation view, partiallybroken-away, of the solid contaminant separation assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is another enlarged side elevation view, partially broken-away,of the solid contaminant separation assembly of FIG. 2 showing the dragweirs and chain drive componentry thereof.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, enlarged top perspective view, partiallybroken-away, of the pressure washing system of FIG. 1 illustrating fluidcoupling to a clarifying reservoir.

FIG. 7 is an exploded, top perspective view of a support platform of thepressure washing system of FIG. 1 constructed in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, side elevation view, in cross-section, of thesupport platform of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention will be described with reference to a fewspecific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the inventionand is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Variousmodifications to the present invention can be made to the preferredembodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the truespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Itwill be noted here that for a better understanding, like components aredesignated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 1-3, where a closed-loop pressurewashing system, generally designated 20, is provided for removal andrecovery of high solids contaminants from an object to be cleaned. Thewashing system includes a support platform 21 having a support surface22 adapted to support the object while a washing fluid is flowed overthe object to remove the high solids contaminant therefrom. A collectiondevice 23 is provided in flow communication with the support surface 22,and is adapted to collect and channel the run-off washing fluid and therun-off high solids contaminant from the support surface towards acollection basin 25. A separation assembly, generally designated 26, isin flow communication with the collection basin 25, and is adapted toseparate and displace the heavier-density or weight solid contaminants(i.e., mud, rocks, sludge, etc.) from a slurry of collected run-offwashing fluids and the run-off high solid contaminants in the collectionbasin 25 to a discard region 27 spaced-apart from the collection basin.This separation assembly 26, however, substantially maintains therun-off washing fluid with the lighter and medium density or weightcontaminants in the collection basin 25. The washing system 20 furtherincludes a clarifying reservoir 28 in flow communication with thecollection basin 25, and is configured to contain the run-off washingfluid therein for reuse back to the washing system.

Accordingly, unlike the filtration systems of conventional closed-loopwashing systems, the separation assembly is capable of high solids wasteremoval and transport to a remove site while retaining the run-offwashing fluids for collection in a clarifying reservoir. During periodsof high solids waste removal, the present invention enables theremaining run-off washing fluid to pass through the usual filteringdevices without overwhelming these filtering systems.

Briefly, it will be understood that the term “washing fluid” is appliedto a washing agent used to wash contaminants from the surface of anobject. For instance, water is the most typical washing agent, but mayfurther include cleansing additives such as detergents, soda ash, etc.Moreover, the terms “lower-density contaminants” or “light weightcontaminants” are referred to as contaminants with a specific gravityless than that of the washing fluid. Thus, the light weight contaminantsnaturally separate and float to the surface of the collected washingfluid. Such contaminants may include oil, gasoline, foams, plastics,ash, etc. In contrast, it will be understood that the terms“heavier-density contaminants” or “heavy weight contaminants” arereferred to as contaminants with a specific gravity greater than that ofthe washing fluid. Finally, “medium-density contaminants” or “mediumweight contaminants” are referred to as contaminants with a specificgravity similar to that of the washing fluid which may be suspendedtherein. All three weight contaminants will be included, in variousproportions, in the run-off high solids contaminant washed off theselarge earth moving vehicles.

The closed-loop pressure washing system 20 includes a clarifyingreservoir 28 (FIGS. 1 and 6) which, as mentioned, facilitates furtherseparation of the light weight and heavy weight contaminants and largermedium weight contaminants from the run-off washing fluid to produce asemi-filtered washing fluid for use with a fluid or water cannon 30,and/or a more refined filtered rinsing fluid for use with a pressurewasher 31. Briefly, as will be described herein, the water cannon 30 iscapable of ejecting, at relatively high speeds and pressures, largevolumes of the semi-filtered washing fluid for the high solidscontaminant removal from a heavily soiled vehicle. In contrast, thepressure washer is applied more for final cleaning of the vehicle afterthe coarse washing.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, the washing system 20 includes the heavyduty support platform 21 that is suitably designed to vertically supportlarge earth moving vehicles weighing in the range of about 15 tons toabout 60 tons. Briefly, as will be described in greater detail below,the support platform 21 includes a support surface 22 that is positionedatop support frame assembly 32 thereof. As illustrated, a pair of endramps 33, 33′ may be provided to enable very large, heavy equipment suchas loaders, trucks, tractors, etc. to be driven or moved on and off thesupport surface 22. The washing system 20 may also include optionalupstanding splash walls 35 to contain splashing and the like during thewashing process.

Once the initial coarse cleaning of an object atop the support surface22 has commenced using the water cannon 30, depending upon the quantityof solid contaminants removed, silting or settle contaminant buildup canoccur. When such buildup is directly on the load bearing support surface22, the water cannon nozzle can be employed in a hose-like manner tomanually spray or flush the solids from the support surface 22 towardthe collection device 23.

The support surface 22 is substantially rectangular-shaped having anupper elevation side and an opposite lower elevation side to facilitaterun-off toward the collection device 23 located along the edge of theopposite lower elevation side. Preferably, the support surface isgradually sloped or graded toward the collection device 23 in the rangeof about 1° to about 4°. Moreover, as best viewed in FIG. 1, the twoouter platform portions 36, 36′ of the support surface 22 may be slopedgradually inward toward a central platform portion 37 of the supportsurface 22 (i.e., V-shaped) to facilitate flow of the run-off toward thecentral platform portion 37 and into the collection device. It will beunderstood, however, that the floor of the support surface may besubstantially V-shaped extending from one ramp to the opposite rampthereof (not shown). At the basin or valley of the V-shaped supportsurface is the elongated collection device 23 spanning the support floorfrom one end to the opposite end thereof. In this V-shaped arrangement,the collection device separates the support surface into a pair ofopposed sloped surface portions

In accordance with the present invention, the collection device 23includes an elongated receiving portion or receiving channel 38 thereofin flow communication with the support surface 22, and having a deliveryportion 40 in flow communication with the collection basin 25. As shownin FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the elongated receiving channel extendinglongitudinally along the edge of the lower side of the support surfaceenabling the run-off washing fluid and the flushed solid contaminants tobe collected in the receiving channel. As the run-off collected solidsare captured in the elongated receiving channel 38, the flow is directedtoward the collection basin, via the delivery portion 40.

During periods of high solids contaminant removal from the objects beingcleaned atop the support surface 22, the buildup of the removed solidcontaminants can be flushed into the elongated receiving channel 38 (viathe cannon). The high density solid contaminants then tend to build-upand congregate at the bottom of the channel, while the lighter weightand medium weight contaminant (suspended in the run-off washing fluid)flow toward the collection basin 25. Eventually, the buildup of thehigher density solid contaminants will block flow any fluids in thechannel, and cause flooding onto the support surface. Accordingly, atransport device, generally designated 41, is provided that cooperateswith the receiving channel 38 to transport the deposited solidcontaminants in the channel toward the collection basin 25. In thismanner, the run-off washing fluid and run-off high solids contaminantcollected from the support surface are substantially flowed and/ortransported to the collection basin for further handling by theseparation assembly 26.

As best viewed in FIG. 3, the transport device 41 includes an elongatedauger member 42 positioned longitudinally in the receiving channel 38,and rotatably mounted to a drive mechanism 43. As the drive mechanism 43rotates the auger member 42 about its longitudinal axis in the receivingchannel 38, the deposited high density solid contaminants are movedlongitudinally along the receiving channel 38, and through the deliveryportion 40 of the collection device 23 into the collection basin 25. Toperpetuate movement toward the collection basin 25, the auger member 42includes a rotating, elongated shaft having helical blades 45 whichextend radially outward therefrom. These blades 45 extend longitudinallyalong the shaft from an upstream end of the channel, to an the oppositeend where the blades terminate at the collection basin 25. These bladesare oriented and configured to cooperate with the direction of rotationof the shaft to move the solid contaminants toward the collection basin.Upon contact of the deposited high density solid contaminants with thehelical blades 45, wrapping around the shaft 46, the contaminants areurged longitudinally along the channel until they are deposited in thecollection basin 25 forming a slurry of the run-off washing fluid andthe high density solid contaminants.

To accommodate the circular cross-sectional dimension of the helicalblades, the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the elongatedreceiving channel 38 is preferably semi-circular at the bottom thereof,and has a diameter slightly greater than that of the blades. Thetolerance between the edge of the helical blades 45 and the interiorside walls of the channel is in the range of about ⅛ inch to about ¼inch. Such tolerance is sufficiently small to enable the auger totransport substantially all the deposited solids to the collectionbasin, while being sufficiently large to prevent interfering contact ofthe blade with the walls during operation.

A plurality of bearings 47 are spaced apart along the receiving channel38 for rotational support thereof (FIGS. 3 and 4). Further, while thehelical blades 45 terminate at the mouth or entrance of the deliveryportion 40 into the collection basin, for delivery of the transportedsolid contaminants to the separation assembly 26, the distal end of theshaft continues through the collection basin where it is supported byend bearing 47′. At this end is the drive mechanism 43 which ispreferably provided by a chain drive and drive motor 50. The drive motor50, in one example, is a 1 hp electric motor.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, in accordance with the presentinvention, the separation assembly 26 communicates with the collectionbasin 25 to remove and separate the collected solid contaminants fromthe slurry of run-off washing fluids and the transported heavier densitysolid contaminants therein, while substantially maintaining the run-offwashing fluid in the collection basin 25. In particular, the separationassembly 26 includes a drag conveyor device 51 having a separationstation 52 thereof immersed in the slurry of run-off washing fluid andrun-off high solids contaminants transported to the collection basin 25(via the auger member 42), and adapted to separate and displace theremoved, higher density solids contaminant from the slurry. Theseparation assembly 26 further includes a discarding station 53,spaced-apart from the separation station 52, which is adapted to discardthe collected portion of the deposited high solid contaminants from thedrag conveyor. Further, the discarding station 53 is positioned at avertical elevation above the separation station 52. Since the discardingstation 53 is elevated above the separation station 52 and the slurry ofthe collection basin 25, the separated contaminants are dragged to thediscarding station 53 while the run-off washing fluid and remainingslurry are maintained in the collection basin 25. Accordingly, theseparated higher density solid contaminants are permanently removed fromthe slurry in the collection basin, and hence, the closed-loop pressurewashing system. This cycle is repeated until substantially all thehigher density solid contaminants are eventually removed in this manner.

In one specific embodiment, the separation assembly 26 includes a dragconveyor device 51 having a separation station thereof immersed in theslurry of run-off washing fluid and run-off high solids contaminantstransported to the collection basin 25 (via the auger member 42), andadapted to separate the higher density solid contaminants from theslurry. The separation assembly 26 further includes a discarding station53 spaced-apart from, and at a vertical elevation above the separationstation 52. The discarding station 53 is adapted to discard theseparated and dragged higher density solid contaminants from the dragconveyor to a discard site.

As best viewed in FIGS. 4 and 5, the drag conveyor device 51 includes aframe assembly supporting a central chain drive system 56 including alink chain device 57 mounted about a plurality of sprockets 58spaced-apart along the frame assembly. The chain drive system 56 furtherincludes a motor drive 59 coupled to an upper drive sprocket 58′ thatdrives the link chain device about the sprockets 58, and continuouslyalong a drive path from the separation station 52 to the discardingstation 53, and back to the separation station. A plurality of dragweirs 60 are disposed along the link chain device 57 in a spaced-apartmanner along the drive path. Each drag weir 60 is disposed transverselyalong the chain device 57 in a manner such that the planar face of eachweir 60 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction ofmovement along the drive path. As viewed, in one example, the drag weirsare centrally mounted to the chain device 57 in a conventional manner.

In one alternative embodiment, to facilitate guidance and positioning ofeach weir 60 as they are dragged by the drive chain device 57, theopposed edges thereof may include end guides (not shown) that engageassociated guide rails (not shown) of the frame assembly that extendalong the drive path. Accordingly, the guide rails, the end guides andthe link chain device would cooperate maintain the planar face of eachweir 60 substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement alongthe drive path smoothly and continuously between the separation stationand the discarding station.

A sleeve member 61 encloses the chain drive device 57, weirs 60 andframe assembly between the separation station 52 and the discardingstation 53. This sleeve member not only provides a measure of safetyfrom the moving conveyor components, but also provides a bottom supportsurface 62 that cooperates with the bottom edge 63 of the drag weirs 60to facilitate collection of the separated higher density solidcontaminants. Similarly, the adjoining interior sidewalls 65 areoriented and sized cooperate opposed side edges 66 of the drag weirs 60to separate and move the collected higher density solid contaminantsalong the bottom support surface 62 of the sleeve member from theseparation station 52 to the discarding station 53. Accordingly, theinterior bottom support surface 62 and adjoining interior side walls 65of the sleeve member 61 are adapted and sized for sliding receipt of thedrag weir 60 therethrough.

The sleeve member 61 includes an opened mouth portion 67 at theseparation station 52 of the that enables the drag weirs 60 to enter thecollection basin 25 as they round the bottom sprocket 58″. At theseparation station 52 (FIGS. 3 and 4), the drive shaft 46 of the augermember extends through the drive chain device 57 near the bottomsprocket. Accordingly, the drive path of the weirs extend around thedrive shaft 46 so that the delivery portion 40 of the collection devicedelivers the collected and transported solid contaminants into the mouthportion 67 of the separation station 52. As weirs 60 enter theseparation station 52 at the mouth portion 67, they each scoop a portionof these delivered higher density solid contaminants.

The drag weirs are preferably composed of steel or plastic, and haveleading edges 63 and side edges 66 that are sized and dimensioned to beslidingly received within the sleeve with a tolerance with the interiorside walls 65 of the sleeve member 61 in the range of about ⅛ inch toabout ½ inch. This tolerance is sufficiently small to enable scooping,dragging and retaining of the separated higher density solidcontaminants through the sleeve member, while enabling the run-offwashing fluid to pass therebetween so that the same is maintained in thecollection basin 25.

As the separated solid contaminants from the collection basin 25 aredragged up the bottom support surface 62 of the sleeve member, theysolids are deposited through the discarding station. Similar to theseparation station 52, the discarding station 53 provides a discardopening 68 along the bottom support surface 62 upon which the drag weirs60 are moved through as they are driven along the drive path. As thedrag weirs 60 pass through the discard opening 68, gravity causes thedragged solid contaminants to fall therethrough. The discard region 27may include a removable contaminant collection bin 70 placed below thediscard opening 68 to enable gravity flow collection of the discardedcontaminants.

It will be appreciated that the collection bin can be any collectiondevice such as a trash can or even a wheelbarrow. It will further beunderstood that while only one such contaminant separation assembly isdescribed in detail, other contaminant separators may be applied toseparate the higher density solid contaminants from the slurry in thecollection basin such as augers, vibratory conveyors, belt conveyors orbucket elevators.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 6, a heavy duty sump pump 71 is disposedin a sump tub 72 to transport the collected run-off washing fluid in thecollection basin 25 to the clarifying reservoir 28. The sump tub 72,thus, is in fluid communication with the collection basin for fluidaccess to the collected washing fluids. A coarse mesh filter 73 or thelike may be provided between the collection basin 25 and the sump tub 72to prevent larger, higher density solid contaminants (e.g., rocks) frompassing through the intake of the sump pump 71 which could be damaging.However, suspended middle weight and light weight contaminants will bepassed through the sump pump 71 and into the clarifying reservoir 28. Apump line 75 or hose fluidly couples the sump pump 71 to a deliveryinlet port 76 of the clarifying reservoir 28 for delivery of the pumpedrun-off washing fluid into an interior cavity 74 of the reservoir. Aone-way check valve (not shown) prevents flow back from the clarifyingreservoir to the collection basin 25.

Depending upon the quantity or flow volume of the run-off washing fluidsinto the collection basin 25 from the support surface 22, the pumpingcapacity of the sump pump 71 can be selected accordingly. Moreover, thesump pump can be configured to automatically operate during theoperation of the water cannon, the pressure washer or transport device41. In one specific example, the sump pump 71 may be provided by ZoellerPump Co. of Louisville, Ky., Model No. M137, which has the pump capacityin the range of about 65 gal/min to about 95 gal/min.

Once the sump pump 71 delivers the run-off washing fluid to theclarifying reservoir 28 through the delivery inlet port 76, the storedwashing fluids may be applied for two purposes: providing semi-filteredwashing fluid to the high volume water cannon 30, as well as providingfully-filtered washing fluid to the pressure washing 31.

As shown in FIG. 6, the delivery inlet port 76 of the clarifyingreservoir 28 delivers the pumped run-off washing fluids into a deliveryportion of the reservoir interior cavity 74 located at one end thereof.To facilitate further settling and separation of the middle weight andlighter weight contaminants in the pumped run-off washing fluids, aplurality of baffles 78 are disposed in an interior cavity 74 thatrequire the deposited fluids to flow through the baffles from one end ofthe reservoir to the opposite end thereof. These baffles are aligned inan array, and are configured to channel the fluids through the baffles78 along the direction of arrows 80. The baffles facilitate settling andsilting of the medium weight density contaminants into a first settlingportion 81 of the clarifying reservoir 28.

To initially collect these separated contaminants, the first settlingportion 81 of the clarifying reservoir is conical-shaped and ispositioned below an upstream first portion of the baffles 78. Theconical narrowing tapers to a small diameter mouth portion 83(preferably about 4 inches in diameter) wherein the contaminants settlefrom suspension after passing through the baffles 78. A first valvedevice 82 having a large bore opening is preferably positioned at themouth portion 83 to enable selective venting of the collectedcontaminants therethrough into a disposable filter bag or the likepositioned on the other side. Preferably, the first valve device 82 isprovided by a rapidly opening, ball valve or pneumatically assistedvalve which may be periodically operated manually or automatically whenthe separated solid contaminants sufficiently accumulate at the conicalbottom portion.

Applying the pressure head of the fluids in the clarifying reservoir,upon opening of the first valve device 82, the accumulated and settledcontaminants in the conical first settling portion 81 are periodicallyflushed from the reservoir into the filter bag or other container. Thefiltered solids are retained in the filter bag or container forappropriate disposal. The draining of the sludge or lighter weightsolids from the bottom of the conical settling portion 81 can beautomated which reduces manual maintenance and operation, and ensuresthe periodic removal therefrom.

Alternatively, the first valve device 82 may be fluid coupled to adelivery hose 85, for selective delivery to a remotely positionedcontainer or the like. In still other embodiments, the outlet of thedelivery hose may simply redeliver the settled contaminants from theconical settling portion 81 back into the receiving channel 38 of thecollection device for recycling through the separation assembly 26.

In still other specific embodiments, the clarifying reservoir 28 mayinclude a second conical settling portion 86 positioned adjacent to anddownstream from the first conical settling portion 81. Similar to thefirst conical settling portion 81, the bottom wall tapers inwardlytoward a small diameter mouth portion 87 where a second valve device 88is seated. Since this second conical settling portion 86 is positionedfurther downstream relative the flow through array of baffles 78, thequantity of deposited silting and settling contaminants is significantlyless. Thus, the periodic flushing of this cone would be performed lessfrequently.

In yet another specific embodiment, the second valve device 88 could befluidly coupled, via a flush line 90 (FIG. 1), to an upstream end of thereceiving channel 38. This channel flush can be automated which reducesmanual maintenance and operation, and ensures the periodic sludgeremoval from the second settling cone as well. Using the verticalelevation of the clarifying reservoir 28, about 8 feet to about 10 feetabove the receiving channel 38, a pressure head in the range of about 3psi to about 4 psi is produced to flush the solid contaminants from thereceiving channel 38 and into the collection basin 25.

In accordance with the present invention, as mentioned, the clarifyingreservoir 28 provides a source of semi-filtered washing fluids for ahigh volume water cannon 30. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, theclarifying reservoir 28 includes a cannon outlet port 91 to feeds thesemi-filtered washing fluids contained in the reservoir to the highvolume water cannon 30. In one configuration shown, the cannon outletport 91 is fluidly coupled to the water cannon 30 through a hose orcannon fluid line 92 that provides a fluid communication passageway. Oneend of the fluid line 92 is fluidly coupled to the cannon outlet port 91at an exterior side wall 93 of the clarifying reservoir 28 that ispreferably positioned centrally on the side wall. The location of thisoutlet port enables fluids to be drawn from a location intermediate theclarifying reservoir side wall 93 which is below the level of the lightweight contaminants that have floated to the top of the contained fluidsin the clarifying reservoir. Further, this intermediate position isabove the heavy and middle weight contaminants settling out of thecontained fluids therein.

The high volume water cannon 30 includes a cannon pump 95 having aninlet side coupled to the outlet of the fluid line 92, and an outletside device to a coarse cannon filter pack 96. In turn, the cannonfilter pack 96 is fluidly coupled to a delivery pressure line 97 havinga cannon nozzle 98 at the opposite end thereof for delivery of thesemi-filtered washing fluids from the water cannon 30. These watercannon pumps 95, such as those provided by Scott Pump of Cedarburg,Wis., Model No. VFE50, are capable of expelling fluids in the range ofabout 40 gal/min to about 80 gal/min, that provides a low spray in therange of about 60 psi to about 70 psi. For example, in the presentapplication, the ejection of the semi-filtered washing fluid from thecannon nozzle 98 of a pressure line 97 fluidly coupled to the outlet ofthe coarse filter pack 96 is about sixty (60) gal/min at a velocity ofabout 80 ft/sec, and a pressure drop across the cannon nozzle of about50 psi. Accordingly, this coarse washer provides significant capacity toimpinge large volumes of fluids against the vehicle at a significantforce for contaminant removal.

The cannon filter pack 96 includes a conventional two-hundred (200)micron bag filter that provides relatively coarse filtering of thesemi-filtered washing fluid before ejection from the cannon nozzle 98.The semi-filtered washing fluid, preferably water, contains dissolvedsolids which appears as dirty water. However, this solution issufficient for first stage washing again if desired.

In another specific configuration, the water cannon may be mounteddirectly to the side wall 93 of the clarifying reservoir, therebyeliminating the need for the intermediate fluid line 92. Thisarrangement is further advantageous in that the overall footprint of thewashing assembly is reduced since a separate area need not be providedfor the relatively large cannon pump 95.

Referring back to FIG. 6, the clarifying reservoir 28 includes a cleanerwater chamber 100 positioned at an end of the interior cavity 74 of thereservoir opposite the inlet port 76 from the sump tub 72. This cleanerwater chamber 100 provides a reservoir of yet more filtered washingfluid for use with a rinse wash pressure washer 31. By providing asealed, interior over weir 99 in the interior cavity, the cleaner waterchamber 100 is formed wherein the flow of washing fluids over the overweir 99 and into chamber (arrow 104). Accordingly, the middle weightdensity contaminants will be more fully filtered out of the fluids inthis compartment, and will not be passed to the more sensitive pressurewashers which may be damaged or clogged by such additional contaminants.

The spray pressure washer 31, on the other hand, draws fluid from theclean water reservoir and further through more stringent filtering thanis necessary for the high volume water cannon. In fact, due in-part tothe sensitive nature of the componentry of the pressure washer 31, thefiltering is performed prior to coupling to the pressure washer ratherthan after the pump as in the case with the water cannon. As best viewedin FIGS. 1 and 6, another side wall 101 of the clarifying reservoir 28includes a delivery outlet port 102 that is fluid coupled to the cleanwater chamber 100. A fluid line 103 includes one end fluidly coupled tothe clean water chamber 100, and an opposite outlet end fluidly coupledto a delivery pump 105. Similar to the delivery port for the watercannon, the outlet port 102 is positioned below the fluid level in theclean water chamber to reduce or eliminate delivery of the lighterweight contaminants to the pressure washer.

The delivery pump 105, by way of example a Teel Pump of Northbrook,Ill., Model No. 4RJ89, forces the water through a pressure washer filterpack 106 or series of filter packs to deliver filtered washing fluid toa pressure washer 31. In turn, the conventional pressure washer deliversthe pressurized, filtered washing fluid, via a pressure pump, to apressure wand 107. These spray pressure washing devices 31 provide amechanism to pressure wash the object using a conventional pressure wand107 and a compatible spray nozzle 108. The pressure pump can be providedany conventional high pressure pump assembly, and is preferably capableof delivering a variable pressure for a selective pressure sprayapplication. One such conventional pressure pump, for example, is thatprovided by WANNER, Model No. MD3EABJSSECA, which is capable ofproviding a low pressure spray in the range of about 50 psi and a highpressure spray in the range of about 3000 psi

A fresh water rinse can be provided for final rinsing of the equipment,and can be added manually or automatically when washing fluid in theclarifying reservoir becomes too low. On the other end, since the systemoperates as a fixed volume, closed loop system, too much fluid in theseparation tank will require removal before an overflow situationoccurs. Thus, a safety overflow can provided to dispense overflow fluidto a drain or waste source. This may simply be performed using the valvedevices of the settling cones.

Since the clarifying reservoir promotes separation of both the heavy andmedium weight (density) contaminants form the washing fluids, thelighter density contaminants (e.g., oils) will float to the top of thewashing fluids in the clarifying reservoir. As the washing fluids flowover the over weir 60 and into the cleaner water chamber, the lighterweight contaminants will be trapped by the walls defining the cleanerwater chamber. To remove these lighter weight contaminants, if oils arebeing washed off without soap, a conventional mechanical oil skimmingdevice can be located at the top of the cleaner water chamber to removethe free floating oil. The contaminates can then be collected anddirected into a container for proper discarding. However, if the oilsare intensely mechanically emulsified, oleiophilic surfaces can be usedto reclaim the majority of the oils. If the oils are chemicallyemulsified, a specially designed clay or carbon filter is used to removethe oils below the sewer districts acceptance levels. Any time oils arebeing washed, it is prudent to discharge the water through anorgano-clay filter prior to being dumped to sewer.

There are specific soaps called “quick release soaps”. When these soapsare used to wash items covered with oils, the quick release soaps retainthe oils in solution as long as the fluid is in motion. When the oilemulsified water reaches a quiet location for several minutes, themajority of the oil is released and collects on the surface of thewater. This quiet location also allows the solids to separate from thewater by gravity. Because 100% oil release cannot be guaranteed in thetime available in the system, it is always prudent to run the waterthrough a clay or carbon filter designed to remove oils from the waterstream prior to disposal down the sewer.

In yet other configurations, the washing apparatus may also include anozonation system (not shown) to ozonate the process fluid in theclarifying reservoir 28. As set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,067, whichis incorporated by reference, ozonation is highly beneficial since it ishighly oxidizing, and will attack substantially any contamination in thewater. Briefly, the ozonation system includes a recirculation pump thatdraws process fluid from the clean water reservoir 100 through ascreened inlet end and into recirculation line. Once the process fluidis drawn into the recirulation line from the recirculation pump, theprocess fluid flows through a gas-liquid mixing device, such as aventuri-type injector. The injector is further coupled to an ozonegenerator, such as the model CS-1200 available commercially fromClearwater Technologies which is capable of generating 0.25 grams ofozone per hour. The ozonated water is then returned to the clarifyingreservoir 28, via an recirculation line. In this arrangement, theozonated water is caused to directly attack the bacteria and associatedodors from the run-off process fluid in the collection compartment andin the separation compartment.

In another aspect of the present invention, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 7and 8, a high load capacity closed-loop washing system 20 is providedfor the support of and contaminant removal from a substantially heavyload equipment such as loaders, trucks, tractors, etc. The systemincludes support platform 21 for supporting the heavy load objectincluding a frame assembly 32 having fluid impervious upstandingperipheral side walls 110, 110′ and 110″ and a fluid impervious supportsurface 22 extending atop the peripheral side walls 110 to collectivelydefine an enclosed interior cavity therein. The support platform 21including a flowable support material 111 curable into a relatively lowdensity, high compressive strength material support enabling verticalsupport the heavy load object atop the support surface 22 while awashing fluid is flowed over the object to remove the high solidscontaminant. The washing system 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 furtherincludes a collection device 23 in flow communication with the supportsurface 22 which is adapted to collect the slurry of run-off washingfluid and run-off high solids contaminant from the support surface 22 ina collection basin 25. Lastly, the washing system provides a clarifyingreservoir 28 in flow communication with the collection basin 25 that isconfigured to store run-off fluid therein for reuse back to the washingsystem. Accordingly, the support surface together with the frameassembly 32 and the curable support material 111, a relativelylight-weight, solid support floor arrangement is constructed.

The support surface 22 provides a load bearing surface, and ispreferably a solid metal plate material of about ¼ inch to about ½ inchin thickness. Further, to facilitate sufficient traction, the supportfloor is constructed of diamond plate carbon steel which has beensandblasted, and surfaced with an epoxy paint. Large grained sand may beincorporated with the paint to enhance the non-skid work surface qualityas well.

The upstanding peripheral side walls 110, 110′, 110″ and 110′″ of theframe assembly 32 are preferably composed of a substantially rigid,fluid impervious material, such as metal. For example, as viewed inFIGS. 7 and 8, the peripheral side wall may be composed of steelC-channels having a thickness in the range of about ¼ inch to about ⅜inch. These beams may be welded together with one another to form arectangular shell structure. To add lateral stability, two lower crossbeams 112 may be included, extending between the two opposed side wallbeams 110′ and 110″.

The frame assembly 32 preferably includes a bottom support surface 113upon which the side wall beams 110, 110′, 110″ and 110′″, as well as thesupport beams are situated atop. This bottom support surface 113includes a foot print similar to that of the top support surface 22which both mount to the edges of the side wall beams.

Collectively, upon mounting of these support surfaces 22, 113peripherally to the side wall beams, the enclosed interior cavity isformed therein.

The flowable support material 111 placed in the interior cavity ispreferably provided by a relatively low density, high compressivestrength material support enabling vertical support the heavy loadobject atop. One such flowable composition is provided by a highstrength cellular materials such as foamed concrete. Upon curing, thiscellular material provides excellent compressive strength to weightratio, being in the range of about 500 ft. to 1500 ft. This is due inpart to the fact that such foamed concrete per volume is 70% air.

To place the flowable support material 111 in the interior cavity of thesupport platform 21, an injection port 115 is provided in beam 110′.This port may be provided in one of the side wall beams or in the topsupport surface 22. A vent port may also be included as well to providean air vent as the flowable support material displaces the air. Usingdelivery lines, the foamed concrete is injected into the interiorcavity.

Once the foamed concrete cures, a relatively low density, highcompressive strength material support fills the interior cavity,enabling the support platform to support heavy loads object atop. Forexample, such structures may be capable of sustaining weights in therange of about 100 lbs/in² to 400 lbs/in².

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents whichfall within the scope of this invention. It is therefore intended thatthe following appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A closed-loop washing system for removal and recovery of high solidscontaminants from an object, the washing system comprising: a supportplatform having a support surface adapted to support the object while awashing fluid is flowed over the object to remove the high solidscontaminant; a collection device in flow communication with the supportsurface, and adapted to collect and channel the run-off washing fluidand run-off high solids contaminant from the support surface towards acollection basin; a high solids separation assembly in communicationwith the collection basin, and adapted to separate and displace thecollected run-off high solids contaminant from a slurry of the collectedrun-off fluids and the collected run-off high solids contaminant in thecollection basin to a discard region spaced-apart from said collectionbasin, while substantially maintaining the run-off washing fluid in saidcollection basin; and a clarifying reservoir in flow communication withthe collection basin, and configured to hold the run-off fluid thereinfor reuse back to the washing system.
 2. The closed-loop washing systemas defined in claim 1, wherein said separation assembly includes a dragconveyor device having a separation station thereof immersed in theslurry of run-off washing fluid and high solids deposited in saidcollection basin and adapted to separate a portion of the deposited highsolid contaminants from said slurry, and a discarding stationspaced-apart from and at a vertical elevation above the separationstation, and adapted to discard the collected portion of the depositedhigh solid contaminants from the drag conveyor.
 3. The closed-loopwashing system as defined in claim 2, wherein said drag conveyorincludes a continuous chain member extending between the separationstation and the discarding station, and having a plurality of drag weirsspaced-apart along said chain member, each said drag weir being adaptedto separate and drag the portion of the deposited high solidcontaminants at the separation station and deposit the portion of thedeposited high solid contaminants at the discarding station.
 4. Theclosed-loop washing system as defined in claim 3, wherein said dragconveyor includes a drive motor operably coupled to the chain member todrive said drag weirs between the separation station and the discardingstation.
 5. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 3,wherein said discarding assembly includes a sleeve member substantiallyenclosing said chain member and drag weirs in a manner enabling thecollected run-off fluid in said collection basin to filter between saidsleeve and said drag weirs.
 6. The closed-loop washing system as definedin claim 3, wherein said collecting device includes an elongatedreceiving channel portion thereof in flow communication with saidsupport surface, and a delivery portion in flow communication with thecollection basin such that the run-off washing fluid and run-off highsolids contaminant collected from the support surface are substantiallyflowed to the collection basin.
 7. The closed-loop washing system asdefined in claim 6, wherein said collecting device includes a transportdevice cooperating with the elongated channel to transport the highsolids run-off collected in the channel toward the collection basin. 8.The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 7, wherein saidtransport device further includes an auger member rotatably mounted andpositioned in said channel in a manner causing the collected run-offwashing fluid and run-off high solids contaminant to move along theelongated receiving channel to the delivery portion thereof for deliveryto the collection basin.
 9. The closed-loop washing system as defined inclaim 6, wherein said elongated channel is positioned adjacent an edgeof the support surface, and said support surface is shaped for gravityflow of the run-off washing fluid and run-off high solids contaminanttoward said channel.
 10. The closed-loop washing system as defined inclaim 9, further including: a flush assembly having one portion fluidlycoupled to the clarifying reservoir and another portion fluidly coupledto one end of the elongated channel to flush the run-off fluid and highsolids contaminant toward the delivery portion thereof.
 11. Theclosed-loop washing system as defined in claim 1, wherein saidcollecting device includes an elongated receiving channel in flowcommunication with said support surface, and a delivery portion in flowcommunication with the collection basin such that the run-off washingfluid and run-off high solids contaminant collected from the supportsurface is substantially flowed to the collection basin.
 12. Theclosed-loop washing system as defined in claim 11, wherein saidcollecting device includes a transport device cooperating with theelongated channel to transport the high solids run-off collected in thechannel toward the collection basin.
 13. The closed-loop washing systemas defined in claim 12, wherein said transport device further includesan auger member rotatably mounted and positioned in said receivingchannel in a manner causing the collected run-off washing fluid andrun-off high solids contaminant to move from the elongated receivingchannel to the delivery portion thereof for delivery to the collectionbasin.
 14. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 11,wherein said elongated channel is positioned adjacent an edge of thesupport surface, and said support surface is shaped for gravity flow ofthe run-off washing fluid and run-off high solids contaminant towardsaid channel.
 15. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 11,further including: a high capacity fluid cannon coupled to theclarifying reservoir, and including a nozzle member and a fluid cannonpump device configured to eject the stored fluids at a capacity in therange of about 40 gal/min to about 80 gal/min.
 16. The closed-loopwashing system as defined in claim 15, wherein said cannon pump isconfigured to eject the stored fluid from said nozzle member in therange of about 50 gal/min.
 17. The closed-loop washing system as definedin claim 1, wherein said clarifying reservoir includes a plurality ofbaffles aligned in a manner to encourage the deposition of light solidsfrom said collected run-off fluids as it flows therethrough.
 18. Theclosed-loop washing system as defined in claim 17, wherein saidclarifying reservoir includes an over weir that defines a cleaner waterchamber.
 19. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 18,wherein said baffles are aligned in an array, and said cleaner waterchamber is positioned at one end of said clarifying reservoir, andproximate one end of the array of baffles.
 20. The closed-loop washingsystem as defined in claim 19, wherein said clarifying reservoirincludes an inlet port positioned at an end opposite the cleaner waterchamber.
 21. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 20,further including: a sump pump coupled between the collection basin andthe inlet port to pump the collected run-off fluid into said clarifyingreservoir.
 22. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 1,further including: a pressure washing assembly in flow communicationwith said clarifying reservoir.
 23. The closed-loop washing system asdefined in claim 1, further including: a skimming device adapted toremove the contained lightweight liquid contaminants from saidclarifying reservoir.
 24. The closed-loop washing system as defined inclaim 1, wherein said support platform includes a peripheral frameassembly adapted to support said support surface, said peripheral frameand said support surface forming an interior cavity therein, and a highstrength, low density material in said interior cavity to support theobject atop the support surface.
 25. The closed-loop washing system asdefined in claim 24, wherein said high strength, low density materialincludes foamed concrete.
 26. A high load capacity closed-loop washingsystem for the support of and contaminant removal from a substantiallyheavy load object, the system comprising: a support platform forsupporting the heavy load object having a fluid impervious upstandingperipheral side walls and a fluid impervious support surface extendingatop said peripheral side walls to collectively define an enclosedinterior cavity therein, said support platform including a flowablesupport material curable into a relatively low density, high compressivestrength material support enabling vertical support the heavy loadobject atop said support surface while a washing fluid is flowed overthe object to remove the high solids contaminant; a collection device inflow communication with the support surface, and adapted to collect theslurry of run-off washing fluid and run-off high solids contaminant fromthe support surface in a collection basin; and a clarifying reservoir inflow communication with the collection basin, and configured to storerun-off fluid therein for reuse back to the washing system.
 27. Theclosed-loop washing system as defined in claim 26, wherein said highcompressive strength material is provided by a high strength cellularmaterial.
 28. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 26,wherein said high compressive strength material is provided by foamedconcrete.
 29. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 26,further including: a contaminant separation assembly in communicationwith the collection basin, and adapted to separate at least a portion ofhigh solid contaminants from the slurry in the collection basin anddiscard the at least a portion of the high solids contaminants at adiscarding location spaced-apart from said collection basin, whilesubstantially maintaining the run-off washing fluid in said collectionbasin.
 30. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 29,wherein said separation assembly includes a drag conveyor device havinga separation station thereof immersed in the slurry of run-off washingfluid and high solids deposited in said collection basin and adapted toseparate a portion of the deposited high solid contaminants from saidslurry, and a discarding station spaced-apart from and at a verticalelevation above the separation station, and adapted to discard thecollected portion of the deposited high solid contaminants from the dragconveyor.
 31. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 30,wherein said drag conveyor includes a continuous chain member extendingbetween the separation station and the discarding station, and having aplurality of drag weirs spaced-apart along said chain member, each saiddrag weir being adapted to separate and drag the portion of thedeposited high solid contaminants at the separation station and depositthe portion of the deposited high solid contaminants at the discardingstation.
 32. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 31,wherein said discarding assembly includes a sleeve member substantiallyenclosing said chain member and drag weirs in a manner enabling thecollected run-off fluid in said collection basin to filter between saidsleeve and said drag weirs.
 33. The closed-loop washing system asdefined in claim 26, wherein said collecting device includes anelongated receiving channel in flow communication with said supportsurface, and a delivery portion in flow communication with thecollection basin such that the slurry of run-off washing fluid andrun-off high solids contaminant collected from the support surface aresubstantially flowed to the collection basin.
 34. The closed-loopwashing system as defined in claim 26, wherein said collecting devicefurther includes an auger member rotatably mounted and positioned insaid channel in a manner causing the collected run-off washing fluid andrun-off high solids contaminant to move from the elongated receivingchannel to the delivery portion thereof for delivery to the collectionbasin.
 35. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 34,wherein said elongated channel is positioned adjacent an edge of thesupport surface, and said support surface is shaped for gravity flow ofthe run-off washing fluid and run-off high solids contaminant towardsaid channel.
 36. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 34,further including: a flush assembly having one portion fluidly coupledto the clarifying reservoir and another portion fluidly coupled to oneend of the elongated channel to flush the run-off fluid and high solidscontaminant toward the delivery portion thereof.
 37. The closed-loopwashing system as defined in claim 26, further including: a highcapacity fluid cannon coupled to the clarifying reservoir, and includinga nozzle member and a fluid cannon pump device configured to eject thestored fluids at a capacity in the range of about 40 gal/min to about 80gal/min.
 38. The closed-loop washing system as defined in claim 37,wherein said cannon pump is configured to eject the stored fluid fromsaid nozzle member in the range of about 50 gal/min.
 39. The closed-loopwashing system as defined in claim 26, wherein said clarifying reservoirincludes a plurality of baffles aligned in a manner to encourage thedeposition of light solids from said collected run-off fluids as itflows therethrough.
 40. The closed-loop washing system as defined inclaim 39, wherein said clarifying reservoir includes an over weir thatdefines a cleaner water chamber.
 41. The closed-loop washing system asdefined in claim 40, wherein said baffles are aligned in an array, andsaid cleaner water chamber is positioned at one end of said clarifyingreservoir, and proximate one end of the array of baffles.